Installation to be projected on San Fernando’s facade

San Fernando Cathedral (left) by Helen L. Montoya/Express-News; Catedral de San Luis Potosi Mexico is given the Xavier de Richemont treatment by Guillermo Díaz de León

French artist Xavier de Richemont might not be known in these parts right now. That’s likely to change in the spring of 2014.

That’s when the artist is scheduled to unveil his trademark colorful projection art on the San Fernando Cathedral’s facade. He’s given this treatment to buildings both iconic and not in France, Mexico, Canada, and Mobile, Ala., among others.

The Main Plaza Conservancy hopes de Richemont’s installation will become a huge draw for the public space.

“This is an incredible project and San Antonio is going to receive much recognition for it,” conservancy director Jane Pauley-Flores wrote via email.

The conservancy has secured the rights to show the installation for 10 years. The commissioned work will cost just less than $1 million.

“Main Plaza Conservancy will be raising funds from public and private entities and individuals,” Pauley-Flores wrote. “We have currently raised approximately $335,000 from private individuals.”

The cathedral was lit by Bill FitzGibbons, resident light artist, during the Main Plaza re-dedication ceremony in April 2008. His was more of a slow pulsating of colors from the base of the church, whereas de Richemont’s work is a video projection custom made for each structure incorporating classic-style music.

Here’s an example of the Salvatorkirche church in Munich, Germany:

A press conference is scheduled for Thursday; check back for more details later.